Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha will not play in Nigeria's World Cup qualifying match in Angola on Sunday, the midfielder's agent said on Thursday.
The Bolton Wanderers player is currently in Paris on holiday with his family.
"He has not been able to get a flight to Luanda, so he will not be available for the match," said Friday Kujah.
Yet Nigeria Football Association spokesman Samuel Kaalu said the Super Eagles' inspirational playmaker had promised to arrive in the Angolan capital on Thursday night to join the 13-man squad.
"He hasn't got in touch in recent times over changes in plans, so we expect him to keep to his word," Kaalu said.
Okocha was dropped for Nigeria's opening Group Four qualifier against Rwanda, which the Super Eagles won 2-0, earlier this month after failing to turn up to two international friendlies in London.
Nigeria coach Christian Chukwu later said his captain was tired after a busy season.
Okocha is the latest omission from the Nigerian squad after Obafemi Martins, Bartholomer Ogbeche, Uche Kalu, Rabiu Baita and Ifeanyi Udeze all withdrew from injury.
Egypt-based striker Robert Akaruye has been called up to the squad as has midfielder Wahab Adewale, who plays for AS Roma in Italy.
The 19-year-old is a replacement for Martins and intends to make a statement at Luanda's Cidadela National Stadium.
"This is what I have been dreaming of and I hope to make the best of it," Wahab told BBC Sport.
"I have gained so much confidence playing in the Italian Serie A playing alongside Francisco Totti, Emmerson and Filipo Inzaghi.
"This has prepared me for greater challenges ahead."
The Super Eagles lead Group Four of the African zone qualifying series following their opening win over Rwanda.
Zimbabwe, Algeria and Gabon are the other teams in the group, with the World Cup qualifiers also doubling as qualifying matches for the 2006 Cup of Nations.
Only the top team will play in the World Cup in Germany while the leading three teams will contest the Nations Cup in Egypt.
MMIX
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